Development of novel low-toxicity hypoglycemic agents based on vanadium(IV) and chromium(III) complexes

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent chronic metabolic disease, and the limitations of current therapies have stimulated the search for new antidiabetic agents. In this study, novel vanadium and chromium complexes containing a podand ligand (VBHED and CrBHED) were synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR, and EPR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed ligand coordination and the oxidation states of the metal centers. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in female Swiss mice according to OECD Guideline 423. VBHED exhibited an estimated LD₅₀ between 300 and 2,000 mg kg⁻¹ (Category 4) and caused increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity, indicating potential hepatotoxicity. In contrast, CrBHED showed an estimated LD₅₀ between 2,000 and 5,000 mg kg⁻¹ (Category 5) and produced no clinical, biochemical, or organometric signs of toxicity. These findings highlight CrBHED as a safer and promising candidate for future antidiabetic investigations.